The Root of it All | The Arc of NC Blog

A Better Advocate, A Better Patient

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina
Author: Bryan Dooley
 
From personal experience, I can tell you that one of the most important aspects of healthcare is having a strong and open relationship with your doctor.  Like many people with disabilities, I’ve seen a lot of doctors over the years.  Recently, I had an experience to which some people with disabilities can relate. I have a speech disability, and, in a well-meaning way, my parents began trying answer my doctor’s questions without giving me a chance to speak for myself.  It became very frustrating because I knew the answers, but I was never given a chance to speak or have the chance to build a relationship with my new physician.  My parents were beginning to take my appointment in a different direction than I wanted to go, so I became fed up and asked them to step out of the room, so I could talk to the doctor unimpeded. They got the hint, and both respectfully quieted down so I could finish my appointment.
Read more

The Rooted in Advocacy Conference

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina
Author: Bryan Dooley
 
I’m getting excited, as one of my favorite disability advocacy events is making its annual appearance.  This will be my third time attending The Arc of North Carolina’s Rooted in Advocacy conference. This year, the conference will be held on March 29th at the Benton Convention Center in downtown Winston-Salem.  The first time I attended this event I was covering it for a local newspaper called The Camel City Dispatch.  I had a great time that year because as a journalist, I was able to interview many of the attendees and presenters.  It felt great to soak up some of their excitement towards self-advocacy.  Last year when I attended, I had the honor to address the group as a panelist representing a new initiative called the NC Empowerment Network (NCEN).  This year will a completely different experience because I won’t have any responsibility other than to enjoy and learn.  
Read more

2018: Year in Review

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina
The past 12 months have been busy ones for The Arc of North Carolina. We’ve been celebrating our 65th anniversary, and we’ve gone to Capitol Hill and the N.C. General Assembly to advocate for the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. We hosted our Rooted in Advocacy conference for 300 attendees. We’ve increased our employee roster to better serve the growing needs of the I/DD community. We’ve expanded our housing program to ensure more options are available for people with I/DD and severe persistent mental illness.
 
There have been challenges too. In September, North Carolina was hit hard by Hurricane Florence. Many of our families and staff were impacted. But we came together and worked hard to try and get folks back on their feet.
 
Read more

Update: Voter ID

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina

At The Arc of North Carolina, we work tirelessly to advocate on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to ensure that they have access to the same rights and privileges as everyone else. The things that you hold important in your life - decisions about where you work, who you socialize with, where you worship, where you live - those are the same decisions people with I/DD want to make, too. Every day, we work towards that goal.

People with I/DD want to participate and make contributions to their community and society as a whole. Research has shown that if an individual with a disability is able to engage in daily activities, their quality of life increases. It’s crucial that people with disabilities are afforded the same opportunities as everyone else.

Read more

2018 Annual Report

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina

View our 2018 Annual Report here. 

Broken Pavement, Broken Promises

Posted by The Arc of North Carolina
Author: Bryan Dooley
 
Since I live in the suburbs, I don’t go downtown Winston Salem frequently. I recently traveled on the sidewalks downtown on the way to a meeting. We were looking to find a parking spot, but there were issues with the sidewalks. Since there is a lot of revitalization, a cone was blocking the ramp. Dave (who provides support to me) was attempting to allow me to navigate, but eventually he had to step in and move it for me. I’m not the only person to notice accessibility issues in downtown Winston Salem.
Read more